Family

(A clarification before I begin, I consider my husband’s family as well as my family  “extended family”)

Family can be such a blessing for many of us.  They can provide support, a sounding board, a connection to history and even fill us with unconditional love.  However, as families have become more scattered as well as independent, it can be really difficult establish and keep relationships with extended family members.  It can be really, really difficult to teach our children to do this same thing.

We all have the obligations that daily life throws at us.  Home, school, friends, kids, and employment responsibilities are there daily and often leave us tired.  The last thing some of us may want to do is pick up the phone or even talk at the end of a long day let alone over the weekend.

Family relationships, just like any other relationship,  will never work and will eventually fade if you don’t make it a priority and give it attention. Modeling family relationships and all that entails falls into our court as parents.  If you don’t show your children how to put forth effort in fostering relationships with extended family, they never will know how to.  If you speak negatively about your extended family in front of your children, then they will pick up on those same habits. Over generations, these family ties will eventually fade or be destroyed.  Now I am not saying there aren’t circumstances where ties shouldn’t be cut…but that is discussion for another post.

I admit I am guilty.  With the death of my father-in-law this last week, it has really reconfirmed that I need to take more of an initiative.  Calls or even efforts at times haven’t been made.  Past encounters may have seeded  hurt feelings in some cases.  Taking that initial step to let things go or to look past the past can be hard.  So, where do you even start?  How can you begin to bring your extended family back into your life?  There are simple things you can do to nurture or rebuild relationships:

• Call at least once a month.
• Send a text message every once in a while.
• Send an email.
• Go old school…write a letter or send a card.
• Keep up to date on your photo albums.
• Plan family reunions, picnics, or just get-togethers

Or as in any relationship…you can simply start by extending respect, and give love a chance to grow!  It is amazing what time and a little effort can do!

“Family where life begins & love never ends.”~ unknown